Military

Further Reading

Sabra Main Battle Tank

In the mid-80's, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) upgraded it's M60 tank force. The early model M60, with the rounded turret, received a series of much needed upgrades and was renamed the Magach-7 configuration. This upgrade included thick slabs of passive armour added to the turret and hull front, armoured side skirts, new fire control and a thermal sleeve for the 105mm.

A key IMI export is an upgrade program for the US-built M60A3 main battle tank (MBT). It features a 120mm gun, developed to fit the relatively small turret dimensions of older tanks. This upgrade is ideal: no machining or welding is necessary on the turret to match the 120mm with the M60. The characteristics, including dimensions, recoil force and range, are almost identical to those of the existing 105mm system. Within the turret, the only major changes are for ammunition racking and the fire control system. IMI prototype has been tested and fired.

The Sabra Main Battle Tank is a modernised upgraded M60A3, orignally developed for a proposal to Turkey by Israel Military Industries. The Sabra upgrade package is now being marketed elsewhere internationally. The original 60s and 70s technology is replaced by new systems which will extend the life of the M60 into the next century as an effective weapon system capable of defeating modern tanks. The Sabra's main armament is a new 120mm Gun system which is interoperable with NATO weapon systems and ammunition. Similar to the gun developed for the Merkava Mark 3 main battle tank, it is mated with thermal imaging sights and the "Knight" fire control system and which provides a fire on the move capability. The 120mm gun was developed to fit the relatively small turret dimensions of older tanks. No machining or welding is necessary on the turret to match the 120mm with the M60. The characteristics, including dimensions, recoil force and range, are almost identical to those of the existing 105mm system. Within the turret, the only major changes are for ammunition racking and the fire control system. The enhanced turret and add-on ballistic protection improve survivability against shaped charge and kinetic projectiles.